Uniform Supersonic Flows In Chemical Physics: Chemistry Close To Absolute Zero Studied Using The Cresu Method

Radioastronomy has revealed the Galactic interstellar medium's extraordinary organization and structuring of matter, from hot ultra-diluted media to cold denser milieus considered as the cradles of stars. The discovery of a chemical diversity of molecules, including those associated with precursors to life, has led to the question of the mechanisms leading to their formation and persistence at temperatures as low as 10 K. In the early eighties, it was realized that uniform supersonic flows were ideal chemical reactors to study reaction kinetics at interstellar temperatures. This book reviews 40 years of use of such reactors, the so-called CRESU machines, focusing on major breakthroughs brought to chemical physics, physical chemistry, astrophysics, and astrochemistry by the various experiments carried out with such apparatuses. The wealth of kinetic data at very low temperatures provided new targets for the predictions of theory, with new theoretical methods being developed to explain observed behavior.

Format: Hardback
Length: 728 pages
Publication date: 26 June 2022
Publisher: World Scientific Europe Ltd

Radioastronomy has provided an extraordinary depiction of the Galactic interstellar medium, showcasing an impressive organization and structuring of matter across a wide range of temperatures, from scorching hot ultra-diluted media to frigid denser regions considered the nurseries of stars. In these latter environments, the discovery of a diverse array of molecules, including those linked to the origins of life itself, has sparked a keen interest in understanding the mechanisms responsible for their formation and persistence at temperatures as low as 10 K. To unravel the complexities of telescope observations, extensive chemical networks have been developed, necessitating the consideration of numerous physical and chemical parameters relevant to interstellar conditions, particularly at extremely low temperatures. These parameters encompass the rate coefficients of thousands of gas-phase chemical reactions. Unfortunately, such data were lacking in the 1970s, when the initial molecular discoveries were made. However, in the early 1980s, it became apparent that uniform supersonic flows were ideal chemical reactors for studying reaction kinetics at interstellar temperatures.

Uniform Supersonic Flows in Chemical Physics serves as a comprehensive review of over 40 years of utilization of these reactors, known as CRESU machines. It delves into the significant advancements achieved in chemical physics, physical chemistry, astrophysics, and astrochemistry through the diverse experiments conducted with these apparatuses. The wealth of kinetic data obtained at very low temperatures has opened up new avenues for theoretical predictions, leading to the development of novel theoretical methods to explain observed behavior.

The first two chapters provide a foundational understanding of the physical context of reaction kinetics at extremely low temperatures and the necessary requirements to optimize uniform supersonic flows. These chapters also offer a historical perspective on the development of such reactors. Chapters 3 to 9 then explore the various families of chemical reactions that have been studied using these reactors, highlighting key discoveries and breakthroughs.

Overall, this book offers a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in the field of chemical physics, astrophysics, and astrochemistry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the use of uniform supersonic flows in studying reaction kinetics at interstellar temperatures, shedding light on the rich chemical diversity and complex mechanisms that govern the behavior of matter in the universe.

ISBN-13: 9781800610989